50th anniversary of the closing of Alcatraz prison

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed on March 21, 1963. During its 29 years as a prison it held some of America's most infamous criminals, some of whom tried desperately to escape "the Rock."

March 20, 2013 2:09 AM

Photo: Bureau of Prisons/University of California Press

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A view from the 1930's of the Alcatraz island and penitentiary, in San Francisco Bay. Opened on August 11, 1934, Alcatraz ("the Rock") was America's premier maximum-security prison, and for 29 years the final stop for the nation's most incorrigible inmates, including Al Capone. Alcatraz closed its doors 50 years ago, on March 21, 1963. less

A view from the 1930's of the Alcatraz island and penitentiary, in San Francisco Bay. Opened on August 11, 1934, Alcatraz ("the Rock") was America's premier maximum-security prison, and for 29 years the final ... more

Photo: Afp, AFP/Getty Images

A view from the 1930's of the Alcatraz island and... Photo-4347516.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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A shipment of prisoners arrives on Alcatraz in August 1934.

A shipment of prisoners arrives on Alcatraz in August 1934.

Photo: Ggnra

A shipment of prisoners arrives on Alcatraz in August 1934. Photo-4342681.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Victor Lustig, right, on his way to Alcatraz prison in September 1935. He was an infamous con-artist who was best known as "The man who sold the Eiffel Tower. Twice."

Victor Lustig, right, on his way to Alcatraz prison in September 1935. He was an infamous con-artist who was best known as "The man who sold the Eiffel Tower. Twice."

Photo: Keystone-France, Gamma-Keystone Via Getty Images

Victor Lustig, right, on his way to Alcatraz prison in September... Photo-4347514.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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In this lineup of convicts leaving the recreation yard of Alcatraz from August 1938, prisoners like Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone, the toughest prisoners in America, start the day on the island. Cameras were strictly taboo on or near the island and this is one of the few closeups taken of the work-bound convicts from that time period. The men are taken from a door in the recreation yard, at upper right, through a heavily wired pathway. Escape is only a few yards away, but the route is barred by barbed wire entanglements that reach to the water's edge. less

In this lineup of convicts leaving the recreation yard of Alcatraz from August 1938, prisoners like Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone, the toughest prisoners in America, start the day on the island. Cameras were ... more

Photo: Acme Newspicture

In this lineup of convicts leaving the recreation yard of Alcatraz... Photo-4343802.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The infamous sign that greeted visitors when they arrived at Alcatraz prison.

The infamous sign that greeted visitors when they arrived at Alcatraz prison.

Gangster Al Capone was one of the most famous inmates at Alcatraz. He served his term there from 1934-39. Capone was almost stabbed in the neck by inmate James Lucas, a bank robber from Texas, after he cut a line of prisoners waiting to get haircuts. less

Gangster Al Capone was one of the most famous inmates at Alcatraz. He served his term there from 1934-39. Capone was almost stabbed in the neck by inmate James Lucas, a bank robber from Texas, after he cut ... more

Photo: Bureau Of Prisons, University Of California Press

Gangster Al Capone was one of the most famous inmates at... Photo-4342802.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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A photo of Al Capone and sheet music for a song "Madonna Mia" written in pencil by Capone while he was at Alcatraz prison. More than 70 years after Capone penned it, somebody recorded the song.

A photo of Al Capone and sheet music for a song "Madonna Mia" written in pencil by Capone while he was at Alcatraz prison. More than 70 years after Capone penned it, somebody recorded the song.

Photo: AP

A photo of Al Capone and sheet music for a song "Madonna... Photo-4342803.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Mrs. Mae Capone, wife of America's best-known gangster Al Capone, walks up the gangplank of the Alcatraz Island boat to visit her husband on the island prison in San Francisco Bay on February 28, 1938.

Mrs. Mae Capone, wife of America's best-known gangster Al Capone, walks up the gangplank of the Alcatraz Island boat to visit her husband on the island prison in San Francisco Bay on February 28, 1938.

A shackled but dapper inmate Harold Brest was led to court to testify against conditions at Alcatraz prison in 1940. He later took part in an attempted escape in 1943.

A shackled but dapper inmate Harold Brest was led to court to testify against conditions at Alcatraz prison in 1940. He later took part in an attempted escape in 1943.

Photo: National Archives

A shackled but dapper inmate Harold Brest was led to court to... Photo-4342697.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Alcatraz inmate John Giles attempted to escape in 1945.
He spent years piecing together an Army uniform from the Army laundry that was delivered to the docks. This picture was taken following his capture. Giles attempted to an escape on a military launch. less

Alcatraz inmate John Giles attempted to escape in 1945.
He spent years piecing together an Army uniform from the Army laundry that was delivered to the docks. This picture was taken following his capture. ... more

Basil Banghart, a machine gunner during the Prohibition era, served more than 11 years at Alcatraz Federal Prison and transferred to Joliet State Prison in Illinois in 1954. Banghart and fellow inmate Alvin Karpis worked the kitchen where they were known as the ""Karpis Kitchen Crew." They reportedly learned how to make wine from cherry pie juices. less

Basil Banghart, a machine gunner during the Prohibition era, served more than 11 years at Alcatraz Federal Prison and transferred to Joliet State Prison in Illinois in 1954. Banghart and fellow inmate Alvin ... more

Prisoner Arthur Barker was convicted of theft, robbery, murder, and kidnapping. He arrived at Alcatraz in 1936 and was killed trying to escape with fellow inmates Henri Young and Rufus McCain on January 13, 1939. Young and McCain were recaptured. less

Prisoner Arthur Barker was convicted of theft, robbery, murder, and kidnapping. He arrived at Alcatraz in 1936 and was killed trying to escape with fellow inmates Henri Young and Rufus McCain on January 13, ... more

A patrol boat with Marines standing in the bow stands off the east or non-combatant, shore of Alcatraz on May 4, 1946. From May 2–4, 1946, six prisoners led a failed attempt to escape, which became known as the "Battle of Alcatraz." The prisoners overpowered guards in the cell house and captured weapons. However they were unable to unlock the outside door and decided to hole up and fight it out. In the center of the picture, directly above the three-inch gun, is the main cell block. The other side of the building is the battleground for the Alcatraz war, where guards replied to the felons' fire with a withering barrage through the roof. The boats patrolling off the island were to ensure that no convicts escaped by water and to lend firepower. less

A patrol boat with Marines standing in the bow stands off the east or non-combatant, shore of Alcatraz on May 4, 1946. From May 2–4, 1946, six prisoners led a failed attempt to escape, which became known as ... more

Photo: Duke Downey, The Chronicle

A patrol boat with Marines standing in the bow stands off the east... Photo-4342691.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Alcatraz guards herd prisoners not involved in the riot up steps to the prison yard on May 2, 1946.

Alcatraz guards herd prisoners not involved in the riot up steps to the prison yard on May 2, 1946.

While guards stand by on the roof tear gas and grenade smoke shroud the cell block at Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay on May 3, 1946, as action against rioting convicts, cornered in the building, continued. In the attempted prison escape, May 2-4, 1946, two guards and three inmates were killed. Eleven guards and one convict were also injured. less

While guards stand by on the roof tear gas and grenade smoke shroud the cell block at Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay on May 3, 1946, as action against rioting convicts, cornered in the building, continued. In ... more

This blood-splattered cell was where rioting convicts held several Alcatraz penitentiary guards hostage during the early hours of the attempted prison break on May 2, 1946. The convicts shot and beat their hostages. The rioting ended with two guards dead, one if them in this cell. Three convicts, Bernard Coy, a bank robber from Kentucky; Joseph Paul Cretzer, a bank robber from Los Angeles; and Marvin Hobbard, a kidnapper from Tennessee, were killed. less

This blood-splattered cell was where rioting convicts held several Alcatraz penitentiary guards hostage during the early hours of the attempted prison break on May 2, 1946. The convicts shot and beat their ... more

Photo: Associated Press

This blood-splattered cell was where rioting convicts held several... Photo-4343811.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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After retaking the cell house on May 5, 1946, a guard showed the spot from where prisoners Bernard Coy and his accomplices Marvin Hubbard, Miran Thompson, Sam Shockley and Clarence Cames tried to escape. During 44 hours of mutiny, The prisoners remained holed up in the main cell block. The authorities ended the battle with a combined assault of guards from other Federal prisons and military forces. less

After retaking the cell house on May 5, 1946, a guard showed the spot from where prisoners Bernard Coy and his accomplices Marvin Hubbard, Miran Thompson, Sam Shockley and Clarence Cames tried to escape. During ... more

Photo: Keystone-France, Gamma-Keystone Via Getty Images

After retaking the cell house on May 5, 1946, a guard showed the... Photo-4347513.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Alcatraz warden James Johnston points to the door of the main cell block which kept rioting prisoners from escaping because a guard, held by the rioters, threw away the key. The riot ended on May 4, 1946.

Alcatraz warden James Johnston points to the door of the main cell block which kept rioting prisoners from escaping because a guard, held by the rioters, threw away the key. The riot ended on May 4, 1946.

Photo: Associated Press

Alcatraz warden James Johnston points to the door of the main cell... Photo-4343799.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Shackled together (left to right): Clarence Carnes, 19, Sam Shockley and Miran Thompson are led from an elevator in the San Francisco Federal building on June 25, 1946 en route to court in custody of a U.S. Marshal for arraignment on a murder charge stemming from an abortive break at Alcatraz on May 2-4, 1946. less

Shackled together (left to right): Clarence Carnes, 19, Sam Shockley and Miran Thompson are led from an elevator in the San Francisco Federal building on June 25, 1946 en route to court in custody of a U.S. ... more

Since the 1946 riots, peepholes were installed in the main building so guards could cover it from the outside.

Since the 1946 riots, peepholes were installed in the main building so guards could cover it from the outside.

Photo: Joe Rosenthal, The Chronicle

Since the 1946 riots, peepholes were installed in the main building... Photo-4342874.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Double doors seal the entrance to the main cell house from the dining room at Alcatraz in this photo from March 14, 1956. First there is a big door of steel with glass panels, then a sliding door of steel bars.

Double doors seal the entrance to the main cell house from the dining room at Alcatraz in this photo from March 14, 1956. First there is a big door of steel with glass panels, then a sliding door of steel bars.

Photo: Joe Rosenthal

Double doors seal the entrance to the main cell house from the... Photo-4343804.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Alcatraz inmate Robert Stroud (the "Birdman of Alcatraz") was a convicted murderer and one of the most famous prisoners at Alcatraz. He reared and sold birds as a prisoner in Kansas and became an ornithologist. He didn't have any birds on Alcatraz because pets were not allowed. less

Alcatraz inmate Robert Stroud (the "Birdman of Alcatraz") was a convicted murderer and one of the most famous prisoners at Alcatraz. He reared and sold birds as a prisoner in Kansas and became an ornithologist. ... more

Handcuffed convicted murderer Robert Stroud. along with an unidentified guard, leave a courthouse following an unsuccessful parole hearing in San Francisco in April 1962. While in various prisons, where he had been incarcerated since 1909, Stroud developed an interest in birds, writing several books on the subject and coming to be known, after his last prison transfer, as the "Birdman of Alcatraz." less

Handcuffed convicted murderer Robert Stroud. along with an unidentified guard, leave a courthouse following an unsuccessful parole hearing in San Francisco in April 1962. While in various prisons, where he had ... more

This 1962 photo from the U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz shows Frank Morris' cell and shows the entire back of the cell with the accordion case that was blocking the avenue of escape. The U.S. Marshals Service to this day continues to have an open case on the escape. less

This 1962 photo from the U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz shows Frank Morris' cell and shows the entire back of the cell with the accordion case that was blocking the avenue of escape. The U.S. Marshals Service to ... more

John Paul Scott was one of two Alcatraz inmates who broke out of prison on December 16, 1962. Scott successfully swam to San Francisco where he was immediately recaptured. Alcatraz Associate Warden Richard Willard is wearing the cap. less

John Paul Scott was one of two Alcatraz inmates who broke out of prison on December 16, 1962. Scott successfully swam to San Francisco where he was immediately recaptured. Alcatraz Associate Warden Richard ... more

Photo: Bob Campbell, The Chronicle

John Paul Scott was one of two Alcatraz inmates who broke out of... Photo-4342757.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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A line of handcuffed prisoners, the last of the convicts held at Alcatraz prison, walk through the cell block as they are transferred to other prisons from Alcatraz Island on San Francisco Bay, Calif., March 21, 1963. Alcatraz, known as "The Rock," was a federal penitentiary for 29 years and a prison for more than a century. (AP Photo) less

A line of handcuffed prisoners, the last of the convicts held at Alcatraz prison, walk through the cell block as they are transferred to other prisons from Alcatraz Island on San Francisco Bay, Calif., March ... more

Photo: AP

A line of handcuffed prisoners, the last of the convicts held at... Photo-4349472.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The last guard tower deactivated on Alcatraz on March 21, 1963.

The last guard tower deactivated on Alcatraz on March 21, 1963.

Photo: Peter Breinig, The Chronicle

The last guard tower deactivated on Alcatraz on March 21, 1963. Photo-4342528.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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A view of Alcatraz Prison pictured from San Francisco in 1962. The Alcatraz Penitentiary was officially closed on March 21, 1963.

A view of Alcatraz Prison pictured from San Francisco in 1962. The Alcatraz Penitentiary was officially closed on March 21, 1963.

Photo: Keystone-France, Gamma-Keystone Via Getty Images

A view of Alcatraz Prison pictured from San Francisco in 1962. The... Photo-4347506.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Alcatraz is now a popular tourist attraction attracting thousands of visitors a year.

Alcatraz is now a popular tourist attraction attracting thousands of visitors a year.

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

Alcatraz is now a popular tourist attraction attracting thousands... Photo-4342787.58694 - Beaumont Enterprise